Tank system for producing bubbles and illuminating the bubbles as they fall from the tank onto a passing vehicle

ABSTRACT

A tank system is described for dropping fluid onto a passing vehicle. The tank system includes a tank with a fluid supply inlet. Optionally, a soap injector is included for injecting soap into the water flow to create a fluid mix that is supplied to the tank. A lighting system is attached to the tank. The fluid mix, or any other chemical in the tank, may be heated with the heating unit. An air motor is included for providing air to an air manifold that is disposed within the tank. When air is introduced into the fluid mix, bubbles are created. As the fluid mix and bubbles fill the tank, they fall from the tank via an overflow lip, with the fluid mix and/or bubbles being illuminated by the lighting system as they fall onto a vehicle passing below.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/801,600, filed onMar. 13, 2013, which is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/655,328, filed on Dec. 29, 2009,entitled, “Bubble tank system.”, and of which was also a non-provisionalapplication of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/613,612, filedon Mar. 21, 2012, and entitled, “Bubble Tank System For ProducingBubbles And Illuminating The Bubbles As They Fall From The Tank ToSimulate Falling Lava On A Passing Vehicle.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a bubble tank and, more particularly,to a bubble tank system for generating bubbles and illuminating thebubbles as they fall from the bubble tank onto a passing vehicle.

(2) Description of Related Art

Vehicle washing systems have long been known in the art. By way ofexample, automatic vehicle-washing systems are well-known and are inwidespread use for washing passenger automobiles, trucks, buses,railroad equipment, and the like. A typical system includes a conveyorfor moving the vehicle through the installation, and a series ofpower-driven brushes which are moved around the vehicle under adrenching spray of water and soap or detergent to remove dirt andgrease. The washed vehicle is given a spray of clean rinse water, and isthen moved to a drying station.

While such drenching spray systems are operable for introducing soap andwater to a passing vehicle, they require multiple spray heads, each ofwhich is prone to breakage and maintenance. Additionally, typical sprayheads introduce a low volume to the passing vehicle and, therefore, areoperated under high pressure to be effective. Further, due to the pumpsthat are required to operate such spray systems, traditional drenchingspray systems utilize a lot of electricity and are otherwise notenvironmentally sensitive. Such spray systems do not evenly distributethe solution as any distribution is largely limited to the location andreach of the spray heads. Finally, typical spray systems do not includeunique light systems that provide for a variety of lighting effects.

Thus, a continuing need exists for an environmentally sensitive systemfor introducing a relatively large volume of soap and water (i.e.,bubbles) to a passing vehicle without the need for multiple,high-pressure spray heads. A need also exists for a system thatilluminates the bubbles as they fall from the system onto the passingvehicle to provide for a variety of lighting effects.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

While considering the failure of others to make and/or use all of theabove factors/ingredients/steps/components in this technology space, theinventor unexpectedly realized that a bubble tank system can be employedto introduce a large volume of water, soap, and bubbles to a passingvehicle without the need for multiple high-pressure spray heads and,thereby provide for an even distribution of water, soap, etc., to thepassing vehicle.

Further, when illuminating the bubbles as they fall from the tanksystem, it was unexpectedly realized that the bubbles provide theappearance of actual lava. Thus, in addition to being a bubble tanksystem, the present invention is also directed to a bubble tank systemfor generating bubbles and illuminating the bubbles as they fall fromthe bubble tank onto a passing vehicle.

The system includes a tank having a trough portion and an overflow lipof any desired width (e.g., that is at least as wide as a passingvehicle). A support system is connected with the tank for elevating thetank above a ground surface to allow a vehicle to pass beneath the tank.A fluid supply inlet is fluidly connected with the trough portion of thetank for receiving a fluid flow from an external fluid source andintroducing fluid into the tank. Further, a light system is attachedwith the tank. The light system includes a light element to direct lighttoward a fluid as it falls from the tank, whereby upon receiving fluid,the trough portion collects the fluid until the fluid reaches theoverflow lip, at which point the fluid flows over the overflow lip andfalls from the tank onto a passing vehicle, such that upon falling fromthe tank, the fluid is illuminated by the light system.

In another aspect, the tank system includes a soap injector fluidlyconnected with the fluid supply inlet for injecting soap into the fluidflow to create a soap mix that is supplied to the tank. In this aspect,an air manifold is positioned in the trough portion of the tank.Additionally, an air motor is fluidly connected with the air manifold tointroduce air through the air manifold and into the soap mix, wherebyupon receiving the soap mix and air, bubbles are created that fill thetank until reaching the overflow lip, at which point the bubbles andsoap mix flow over the overflow lip and fall onto a passing vehicle.

In yet another aspect, the light element includes a plurality of lightemitting diodes (LEDs) such that light emitted from the LEDs is directedtoward the fluid falling from the tank. In another aspect, the lightsystem includes a front signage.

In another aspect, the light element includes multi-colored LEDs thatare directed downward to illuminate a falling fluid, such that when thefalling fluid is illuminated by the multi-colored LEDs, the fallingfluid simulates the appearance of falling lava.

In yet another aspect, the tank system includes a heating system forheating the fluid within the tank. The heating system further comprisesa heating element to heat the fluid; a temperature sensor to sense thetemperature of the fluid; a temperature switch to control theoperability of the heating element; and a low liquid level switch toturn off the heating element if the fluid in the tank falls below apredetermined threshold.

In another aspect a curtain is attached with the tank such that it hangsfrom the tank proximate the overflow lip.

Additionally, a mechanical float valve is operably connected with thefluid supply inlet. The float valve is adapted to close upon the fluidexceeding a predetermined level within the tank and to open upon thefluid falling below the predetermined level.

In another aspect, the tank includes two troughs with a drop openingpositioned therebetween, such that each trough includes an air manifold.

In another aspect, the external fluid source includes wax, chemicals,soap, water, or any combination thereof. For example, if wax, when inthe tank, the heating system heats the wax to generate a hot wax thatfalls from the tank onto a passing vehicle.

Finally, as can be appreciated by one in the art, the present inventionalso comprises a method for forming and using the tank system describedherein. The method comprises a plurality of acts of forming andoperating the tank system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspectsof the invention in conjunction with reference to the followingdrawings, where:

FIG. 1 is an elevated, perspective-view illustration of a bubble tanksystem according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a left, side-view illustration of the bubble tank system;

FIG. 2B is a right, side-view illustration of the bubble tank system;

FIG. 3 is a rear-view illustration of the bubble tank system;

FIG. 4 is a front-view illustration of the bubble tank system;

FIG. 5 is an elevated, perspective-view illustration of the bubble tanksystem and its support system, depicting a lid of the tank system in anopen position;

FIG. 6 is an elevated, perspective-view illustration of the bubble tanksystem and its support system, depicting a lid of the tank system in aclosed position;

FIG. 7 is an elevated, perspective-view illustration of the bubble tanksystem, depicting the system in operation;

FIG. 8 is an elevated, perspective-view illustration of the bubble tanksystem according to the principles of the present invention, depicting alight system, an electric control panel and a heating system;

FIG. 9 is an elevated, rear perspective-view illustration of the bubbletank system;

FIG. 10 is a front-view illustration of the light system and bubble tanksystem;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the bubble tank system, depicting anaspect where the tank is cylindrical;

FIG. 12A is an illustration of the bubble tank system, depicting anaspect where the fluid falls from below the bubble tank system;

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view illustration of the bubble tanksystem as depicted in FIG. 12A; and

FIG. 13 is an interior-view illustration of the bubble tank systemdepicted in FIG. 12A to illustrate the flow of fluid as it falls fromthe bubble tank system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in thecontext of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as avariety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein maybe applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present inventionis not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures disclosed herein.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the presentinvention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limitedto these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in orderto avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which arefiled concurrently with this specification and which are open to publicinspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papersand documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the featuresdisclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims,abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features servingthe same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state“means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing aspecific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step”clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. Inparticular, the use of“step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is notintended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

(1) Description

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is a bubble tank system 100that provides an improvement over the prior art by using a tank 102 tocollect water and a soap mix (or any other fluid), which then overflowsto provide a gravity-fed waterfall that dumps a relatively large volumeof water and bubbles (and/or other fluids, e.g., wax) onto a passingvehicle.

In this aspect, the bubble tank system 100 includes a tank 102 having atrough portion 104 and an overflow lip 106. The trough portion 104 actsas a trough to collect water (and/or other fluids) that is introducedinto the tank 102 from a supply inlet 108 (e.g., water supply and/orchemical, wax, etc). The supply inlet 108 is fluidly connected (e.g.,via piping) with the trough portion 104. In operation, the supply inlet108 receives fluid (e.g., water) from an external source and introducesthe fluid into the tank 102 where it gathers in the trough portion 104.It should be understood that although the system as described useswater, the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto as itcan be used with any fluid and/or fluid source. Thus, the supply inlet108 is, in its broadest form, a fluid supply inlet, with water being butone non-limiting example. Other non-limiting examples of which includewax, chemicals, soap mix, etc.

Upon receiving water, the trough portion 104 collects the water untilthe water level reaches the overflow lip 106, at which point the waterflows over the overflow lip 106 and falls from the tank 102 onto apassing vehicle (as depicted in FIG. 7). The overflow lip 106 isapproximately level or at an angle, or undulated across its entirewidth. For example, if level, the water flowing over the overflow lip106 will not gather and drain at one side or point and, instead, willfall evenly from the overflow lip 106. Alternatively, if formed at anangle or with undulations, the water falls from the tank according tothe angle or shape of undulations.

In addition to providing water (or wax, etc.) onto a passing vehicle,the present invention provides soap and bubbles to said vehicle. Thesoap or any other chemicals can be added to the fluid in the tank 102using any suitable mechanism or device. As a non-limiting example and asdepicted in FIG. 1, a soap injector 110 is fluidly connected with thewater supply inlet 108 for injecting soap (from a soap line 111) intothe water flow to create a soap mix that is supplied to the tank 102.The soap injector 110 is any suitable mechanism or device forinjecting/dispensing soap into a water flow, a non-limiting example ofwhich includes an injector/dispenser as produced by Viking LLC, a DEMACompany, located at 512 Industrial Road, Nesquehoning, Pa. 18240, UnitedStates of America.

To create bubbles (e.g., soap bubbles), an air manifold 112 ispositioned in the trough portion 104 of the tank 102. An air motor 114is fluidly connected with the air manifold 112 to introduce air throughthe air manifold 112 and into the soap mix. The air motor 114 is anysuitable mechanism or device that is operable for pumping air, anon-limiting example of which includes a 1.5 horse power (HP), 120 VoltAlternating Current (VAC) electric air motor. Upon receiving the soapmix and air, bubbles are created that fill the tank 102 until reachingthe overflow lip 106, at which point the bubbles and soap mix flow overthe overflow lip 106 and onto a passing vehicle (as depicted in FIG. 7).

Referring again to the air manifold 112, the manifold is any suitablemechanism or device that is operable for receiving air and distributingthe air into a fluid (e.g., soap mix), a non-limiting example of whichincludes a two-inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The air manifold 112is perforated to allow air that is introduced into the manifold 112 fromthe air motor 114 to escape into the soap mix. As a non-limitingexample, the perforated air manifold 112 is an elongated pipe manifoldwith a top half and a bottom half, with two rows of holes formed alongthe top half and a single row of holes formed along the bottom half(e.g., facing downward).

To control the amount of water and soap (and the corresponding soap mix)that is introduced to the tank, a volume control valve 116 is operablyconnected with the water supply. As a non-limiting example, the volumecontrol valve 116 is a mechanical float valve that is operably connectedwith water supply inlet to close upon the soap mix exceeding apredetermined level within the tank and to open upon the soap mixfalling below the predetermined level.

In operation, as bubbles flow from the overflow lip 106, they fall ontoa passing car. However, wind and other air turbulence can sometimesaffect the fall of the bubbles. As such, a curtain 118 is attached withthe tank 102 to block such air turbulence and prevent the fallingbubbles from blowing uncontrollably away from a car surface. Forexample, the curtain 118 hangs from the tank 102 proximate the overflowlip 106 is formed of any suitably durable and semi-rigid material, anon-limiting example of which includes vinyl. Thus, the curtain 118allows the bubbles to freely fall, yet blocks wind and other airturbulence.

As noted above, wind and other air turbulence can sometimes affect thefall of the bubbles. To control the flow of water and bubbles from thetank 102, a flow director 119 can be connected with the overflow lip 106to direct water and bubbles that are flowing over the overflow lip 106.The flow director 119 is any suitable mechanism or device that iscapable of directing the flow from the overflow lip 106, a non-limitingexample of which includes a pair of pivoting arms. For example, a firstpivoting arm 119A and a second pivoting arm 119B are pivotally connectedwith the overflow lip 106 such that they can independently reside on theoverflow lip 106 to narrow a width of flow of fluid flowing over theoverflow lip 106. Alternatively, each of the pivoting arms 119A and 119Bcan pivot away from the overflow lip 106 to increase the width of flowof water (and bubbles, soap mix, etc.) flowing over the overflow lip106. In other words, the pivoting arms 119A and 119B operate to alterthe flow of water by decreasing or increasing the width of the overflowlip 106 (or at least the portion of the overflow lip 106 from which thewater can escape and flow)

By narrowing the portion of the overflow lip 106 from which waterescapes, the thickness or depth of the water is increased (due thevolume of water remaining relatively constant). As such, the sheet ofwater that now falls from the overflow lip 106 is thicker and lesssusceptible to air turbulence.

Alternatively, in a situation of low air turbulence, it may be desirableto pivot the pivoting arms 119A and 119B away from the overflow lip 106to maximize the width of the overflow lip 106 (or the portion of theoverflow lip 106 from which water escapes) and, thereby, the width offalling fluid. In this example, the depth of fluid that flows over theoverflow lip 106 is thinner (than the circumstance described above),which creates a thinner, yet wider, fall of fluid.

Additionally, a lid 120 is attached with the tank 102 to cover the tank102 yet allow selective access thereto. For example, the lid 120 ispivotally connected with the tank 102 via hinges 122 or any othersuitable connection.

For further understanding, FIG. 2A is a left, side-view illustration ofthe bubble tank system 100. As shown, the tank 102 includes a hingedlyconnected lid 120. Also shown are the water supply inlet 108 and thesoap injector 110, and the curtain 118 for blocking wind and airturbulence. Alternatively, FIG. 2B is a right, side-view illustration ofthe tank system 100, depicting the tank 102, lid 120, curtain 118, andair motor 114.

Additionally, FIG. 3 is a rear-view illustration of the bubble tanksystem 100, showing the tank 102, curtain 118, air motor 114, and lid120.

FIG. 4 provides yet another view of the bubble tank system 100, showinga front-view that illustrates the tank 102, curtain 118, lid 120 and airmotor 114. Also shown is the overflow lip 106, which is depicted at alevel that is below the top 400 of the tank 102. The tank 102 is boundon all sides by walls that rise to a first level 402 (except at theoverflow lip 106). The first level 402 is the top 400 of the tank 102,while the overflow lip 106 is at a second level 404 that is below thetop 400 of the tank 102. Water, soap mix, bubbles, etc., that rise abovethe second level 404 will flow from the tank 102 via the overflow lip106. Thus, the fluid level in the tank will never reach the first level402 or the top 400 of the tank 102 as the fluid will always drain viathe overflow lip 106.

Pivoting arms 119A and 119B are shown residing on top of the overflowlip 106. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art and asdescribed above, the flow director (e.g., pivoting arms 119A and 119B)is used to alter the width 400 of the flow that flows over the overflowlip 106. Such width 400 control can be used to manage the thickness (ordepth) of the flow of fluid that falls from the tank 102.

As shown in FIG. 5, the bubble tank system 100 is formed such that thetank 102 is elevated (using a support system 502) above a ground surface500 to allow a vehicle to pass beneath the tank 102. The support system502 is any suitable mechanism or device for elevating the tank 102. As anon-limiting example, the support system 502 includes a set of postsconnected with the tank 102 (to raise the tank 102 above the groundsurface 500). The posts are of any suitable height to allow a vehicle topass below the tank 102, a non-limiting example of which includes being10 feet tall. As yet another non-limiting example, the support system502 includes a set of brackets for attaching the tank 102 to a lateralwall surface such that the tank 102 is elevated sufficiently.

FIG. 6 depicts the bubble tank system 100 with the lid 120 in a closedposition to cover the tank 102.

FIG. 7 depicts the bubble tank system 100 in operation. As shown, thetank 102 is elevated above the ground surface 500 through the supportsystem 502. The tank 102 is elevated sufficiently to allow a vehicle 700to pass below the tank 102. Upon introducing water, soap, and air to thetank 102, a soap mix is formed with bubbles 702. After reaching thelevel of the overflow lip (not shown), the soap mix/water (and bubbles702) flow over the overflow lip and sheet 704 from the tank 102 onto thepassing vehicle 700. The tank 102 and overflow lip themselves are of asufficient size to have a width 706 that is as least as wide as thepassing vehicle 700. As a non-limiting example, the width is greaterthan 48 inches and less than 144 inches. Thus, using the presentinvention, a vehicle can safely pass below the tank 102 to receive arelatively even distribution of a large volume of soap, water, andbubbles without the need for multiple, high-pressure spray heads.

FIG. 8 depicts another aspect of the bubble tank system 100 in which alight system 804 and heating system are included. In this rear-viewillustration, several internal components of the tank system 100 arealso depicted. Specifically, the heating system is any suitablemechanism or device that is operable for heating the fluid within thetank 102. As a non-limiting example and as shown, the heating systemincludes a heating element 812, a low liquid level switch 810, atemperature sensor 808 (e.g., switch thermostat capillary tube), anadjustable temperature switch 806, and an electric control panel 802.Also depicted is a mechanical fill float 814, which is described infurther detail below.

The electric control panel 802 is operatively connected (via a wired orwireless connection) to the light system 804. While the light system 804can be self contained, it is desirable to have the light system 804controlled by a more easily accessible component, such as the controlpanel 802. The electric control panel 802 controls the features andfunctions of the light system 804. For example, the light system 804 canbe formed to direct light down toward the falling bubbles and, inanother aspect, can also be formed to illuminate signage and operate asa sign (such as a flashing light sign). Thus, the electric control panel802 can control which lights (or colors) operate and what effects theyprovide, etc. As non-limiting examples, the sign may flash the type ofcar wash the user is receiving, the wax treatment they are receiving,the name of the business of the carwash, or even a funny quote. Thelight system 804 is attached to the tank 102 using any suitablemechanism or technique. As a non-limiting example, the light system 804is bolted to the tank 102 (via a bracket 820) and is positioned slightlyforward from the overflow lip 106. Because it is slightly forward fromthe overflow lip 106, bubbles falling from the overflow lip 106 fallbeneath the light system 804 for illumination.

The electric control panel 802 is also operatively connected to the airmotor 114. Upon receiving a signal from the electric control panel 802,the electric air motor 114 introduces air through the air manifold 112and into the soap mix. The chemical (e.g., soap or wax) is located inthe chemical container 818 and is optionally mixed with water(introduced via a water line 819) at an injector 816 (e.g., anon-limiting example of such an injector is a Dosatron injector). Thefluid is pumped to the tank 102 through the mechanical fill float 814.Bubbles are created that fill the tank 102 until reaching the overflowlip 106, at which point the bubbles fall from the tank 102. It should beunderstood the chemical can alternatively be wax or any other chemicalthat is directly provided to the tank with or without the addition ofwater or any other fluid.

An adjustable temperature switch 806 has a temperature sensor 808 whichis located toward the bottom of the tank 102 and is communicativelyconnected (e.g., via wired or wirelessly) to the electric control panel802. The temperature sensor 808 senses fluid temperature andautomatically controls the heating element 812 inside the tank 102 toturn on (i.e., heat the fluid) or to shut off. As a non-limitingexample, the fluid temperature inside the tank 102 may be adjusted to100 degrees Fahrenheit, or any other desired temperature.

The temperature switch 806 is operatively connected to the electriccontrol panel 802. Once the desired temperature is set in the electriccontrol pane 802, the temperature switch 806 automatically controls theheating element 812. As such, when the temperature of the fluid reachesa pre-determined temperature, the heating element 812 shuts-off.However, if the temperature of the fluid falls below the pr-determinedtemperature, the heating element 812 turns back on to heat the fluid.

The low liquid level switch 810 is located within the tank 102 to sensewhen the fluid within the tank is reaching a low level. As anon-limiting example, the low liquid level switch 810 is located towardthe bottom of the tank 102. The low liquid level switch 810 is anysuitable sensor or switch device that is operable for sensing the levelof a fluid. As a non-limiting example, the low liquid level switch 810is an electric fluid sensing switch that is operatively connected to theelectric control panel 802. When the fluid level inside the tank 102reaches a low level, power to the heating element 812 will shut off inorder to prevent over-heating and damage to the system.

FIG. 9 depicts another view of the bubble tank system 100, with severalcomponents detached for illustrative purposes. As shown in FIG. 9, thetank system 100 includes a light system 804 and a tank 102. The airmotor cover 904 is also removed to illustrate the air motor 114.

As depicted in FIG. 10, the light system 804 is attached to the tank102. Importantly, the light system 804 is attached to the tank 102 inany suitable manner as to illuminate the falling fluid 1001 (e.g.,bubbles). As a non-limiting example, the light system 804 is attachedwith the overflow lip 106 of the tank 102 such that a portion of thelight 1003 emitted from the light system 804 is projected downward toilluminate falling bubbles as they fall from the tank 102 and below thelight system 804.

The light system 804 includes any suitable illumination mechanism ordevice for generating and directing light 1003 toward the falling fluid1001. As a non-limiting example, the light system 804 includes a lightelement 1002 (e.g., light bar) with a plurality of LEDs 1005 (or lightbulbs, etc.) that generate light 1003.

The lights (or LEDs 1005) can be provided in any desired color and inany display pattern. As a non-limiting example, the light element 1002includes multi-colored LEDs 1005 to illuminate the fluid in differentcolors. As noted above and as another non-limiting example, themulti-colored LEDs 1005 are directed toward the falling fluid 1001 sothat when the falling fluid 1001 is illuminated by the multi-coloredLEDs 1005, the falling fluid 1001 simulates the appearance of fallinglava. Thus, as a non-limiting example, the multi-colored LEDs 1005 mayshine a red or a combination of different colored lights (e.g., red,orange, yellow, and blue) onto the falling fluid 1001 to simulate thecolor of lava or to create a desired mood (e.g., such as blue forpeaceful, or flashing yellow and white for chaotic lightening effects,etc.).

Further, the LEDs 1005 may be provided or illuminated in any numberaccording to the desired effect. As a non-limiting example, there may beas little as one light element 1005 (each with 20 LEDs 1005) or as manyas twenty light elements 1005 (each with 20 LEDs 1005).

As noted above, the light system 804 can also be formed to includesignage 1004. Thus, the light elements 1005 can be positioned at anysuitable location to illuminate the fluid 1001 and, optionally, thesignage 1004. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the lightelements 1005 can be positioned toward the bottom 1007 of the lightsystem 804 to illuminate the fluid 1001. However, in an alternativeaspect, the light system 804 includes an open or translucent bottom 1007portion and the light elements 1005 are positioned within the lightsystem 804 and toward a top portion 1009. Further, in this aspect, afront portion 1011 of the light system 804 can be formed withtranslucent signage 1004. Thus, in this aspect, the light 1003 providedby the light elements 1005 passes through the front portion 1011 toilluminate the signage 1004 in addition to the falling fluid 1001.

As noted above, the signage 1004 can be used to provide any desiredmessage to a passing vehicle (and its passengers). As a non-limitingexample, the signage 1004 is a translucent plastic with a combination ofwords or a phrase, or may include any other desired message, such as thename of the carwash. As another non-limiting example, the light system804 can be configured such that the light elements 1005 flash (or stayconstantly illuminated) to illuminate the word “lava.”

It should be understood that although the system 100 (as illustrated inFIG. 1) is depicted as having a traditional trough-shaped tank 102, theinvention is not intended to be limited thereto as the tank can beformed in a suitably shape. As a non-limiting example and as depicted inFIG. 11, the tank can be provided as a cylindrical-shaped tank 1102. Inthis aspect, the cylindrical-shaped tank 1102 has a fluid inlet 1106 toprovide fluid (e.g., water and soap, etc.) to the tank 1102. Alsoincluded is an inner air manifold 1108 with several air holes 1110. Theinner air manifold 1108 delivers air into the fluid to generate bubbles(using an air motor as described above). Once the cylindrical shapedtank 1102 is filled with the fluid and/or bubbles, the fluid 1104 willoverflow through an opening 1105 and fall onto a passing car in acontrolled manner.

Another variation of the tank is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Morespecifically, FIG. 12A provides an external view of the tank 1202, whileFIG. 12B provides a cross-sectional view of the tank 1202 as depicted inFIG. 12A. As shown, the tank 1202 can be formed to include two or moresmaller troughs 1206A and 1206B, each operable to collect a fluid (e.g.,water and/or soap, etc.) that is introduced into the tank 1202 from afluid supply inlet 108.

Additionally, in another aspect, each trough 1206A and 1206B optionallyincludes an air manifold 1208 to generate bubbles as described above(i.e., via air generated through the connected air motors 114). Inoperation, the fluid supply inlet 108 receives water (and/or soap, etc.)from an external fluid source and introduces the fluid into the tank1202 where it gathers in the trough portions 1206A and 1206B.

Importantly, each trough portion 1206A and 1206B includes an overflowlip 1210A and 1210B. Positioned between the trough portions 1206A and1206B is a drop opening 1212. Thus, as the fluid gathers in the troughportions 1206A and 1206B and reaches the overflow lips 1210A and 1210B,the fluid flows over the overflow lips 1210A and 1210B and falls fromthe drop opening 1212 onto a passing vehicle. This is furtherillustrated in FIG. 13, which depicts the flow of the fluid 1001 as itflows from the trough portions 1206A and 1206B and falls from the dropopening 1212.

It should be understood that the alternative tank variations as depictedin FIGS. 12A through 13 are provided as non-limiting examples of tankshapes that can be incorporated into the bubble tank system as describedherein. Thus, although all of the various components described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1 through 10 are not illustrated in FIGS. 12Athrough 13, it should be understood that the components can be similarlyincorporated into all tank variations. Further, it should also be notedthat although the tank system is described as having an air manifold,heater, light system, etc., it is not intended to be limited thereto asit can be similarly formed with any or all of the relevant components asdesired. Thus, in its most simple aspect, the tank system simplyincludes a tank (in any desired shape) and a water inlet to drop wateralone, or alternatively, a wax inlet alone. In another aspect, the tanksystem can be formed to include all or any number of the componentsdescribed herein (or any combination thereof), such as the soapinjector, air manifold, heater, etc.

As such, it should be understood that the specific examples providedherein are a non-limiting example according to the principles of thepresent invention and that other embodiments and/or aspects areconceived by the present invention. Thus, as can be appreciated, thepresent invention is not intended to be limited to the embodimentspresented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with theprinciples and novel features disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tank system for dropping fluid onto a passingvehicle, comprising: a tank, the tank having a trough portion and anoverflow lip; a support system connected with the tank for elevating thetank above a ground surface to allow a vehicle to pass beneath the tank;a fluid supply inlet fluidly connected with the trough portion of thetank for receiving a fluid flow from an external fluid source andintroducing fluid into the tank; and a light system attached with thetank, the light system having a light element to direct light toward afluid as it falls from the tank, whereby upon receiving fluid from thefluid supply inlet into the trough portion, the trough portion collectsthe fluid until the fluid reaches the overflow lip, at which point thefluid flows over the overflow lip and falls from the overflow lip onto apassing vehicle, such that upon falling from the overflow lip, the fluidis illuminated by the light system.
 2. The tank system as set forth inclaim 1, further comprising: a soap injector fluidly connected with thefluid supply inlet for injecting soap into the fluid flow to create asoap mix that is supplied to the tank; an air manifold positioned in thetrough portion of the tank; and an air motor fluidly connected with theair manifold to introduce air through the air manifold and into the soapmix, whereby upon receiving the soap mix and air, bubbles are createdthat fill the tank until reaching the overflow lip, at which point thebubbles and soap mix flow over the overflow lip and fall onto a passingvehicle.
 3. The tank system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the lightelement includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) such thatlight emitted from the LEDs is directed toward the fluid falling fromthe tank.
 4. The tank system as set forth in claim 3, wherein the lightsystem includes a front signage.
 5. The tank system as set forth inclaim 4, wherein the light element includes multi-colored LEDs that aredirected downward to illuminate a falling fluid, such that when thefalling fluid is illuminated by the multi-colored LEDs, the fallingfluid simulates the appearance of falling lava.
 6. The tank system asset forth in claim 5, further comprising a heating system for heatingthe fluid within the tank.
 7. The tank system as set forth in claim 6,wherein the heating system further comprises: a heating element to heatthe fluid; a temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the fluid; atemperature switch to control the operability of the heating element;and a low liquid level switch to turn off the heating element if thefluid in the tank falls below a predetermined threshold.
 8. The tanksystem as set forth in claim 7, further comprising a curtain attachedwith the tank such that it hangs from the tank proximate the overflowlip.
 9. The tank system as set forth in claim 8, further comprising amechanical float valve operably connected with the fluid supply inlet,the float valve adapted to close upon the fluid exceeding apredetermined level within the tank and to open upon the fluid fallingbelow the predetermined level.
 10. The tank system as set forth in claim9, wherein the tank includes two troughs with a drop opening positionedtherebetween, such that each trough includes an air manifold.
 11. Thetank system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a heating systemfor heating the fluid within the tank.
 12. The tank system as set forthin claim 11, wherein the heating system further comprises: a heatingelement to heat the fluid; a temperature sensor to sense the temperatureof the fluid; a temperature switch to control the operability of theheating element; and a low liquid level switch to turn off the heatingelement if the fluid in the tank falls below a predetermined threshold.13. The tank system as set forth in claim 12, wherein the external fluidsource includes wax, such that the fluid introduced to the tank includeswax, whereby when in the tank, the heating system heats the wax togenerate a hot wax that falls from the tank onto a passing vehicle. 14.The tank system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the tank includes twotroughs with a drop opening positioned therebetween, such that eachtrough includes an air manifold.
 15. A method for dispensing andilluminating a fluid as it falls onto a passing vehicle, comprising actsof: injecting soap into a water flow to create a soap mix; supplying thesoap mix to a tank having a trough portion and an overflow lip;introducing air into the soap mix to generate bubbles; collecting thesoap mix and bubbles in the trough portion until the soap mix andbubbles reach the overflow lip, at which point the bubbles and soap mixflow over the overflow lip and onto a passing vehicle; and illuminatingthe bubbles and soap mix as it falls from the overflow lip onto apassing vehicle.